| Project Detail |
The project consists of the (i) activities in research, development and innovation (RDI) to further develop the technology for the recycling of high purity silicon, silver and copper from production and product waste from the photovoltaic (PV) industry, and (ii) construction (in two steps) of two commercial PV module recycling facilities. The project is located in France, Spain and Germany. Objectives The project objective is to demonstrate at a larger scale a new and innovative process for the recycling and revalorisation of high purity raw materials such as high purity silicon, silver, and copper from production and product waste of PV industry. Currently available technologies to recycle used PV panels do not let the recovery of high purity materials (e.g., silicon metal) to ensure full circularity as those technologies are largely based on mechanical processes, which do not allow to separate individual high value materials. Furthermore, silicon metal is considered a critical raw material (CRM) by the European Union. It is a key material used among others in PV industry and hence supports the decarbonisation of energy. The silicon metal production and PV panels manufacturing is highly dominated by China today (>80% of the market). Hence, the implementation of this process would support to a certain extend the implementation of a more complete supply chain for PV panels in Europe, leading to an increased resilience in terms of supply risk. Furthermore, recycling technologies are considered key in terms of resource efficiency and play an important role as well in reaching decarbonisation and energy efficiency targets of the EU. Sector(s) Solid waste - Water supply; sewerage, waste management and remediation activities Proposed EIB finance (Approximate amount) EUR 22 million Total cost (Approximate amount) EUR 44 million |
